Newsletter

A prom brings race to the fore

To think that in 2013 students in Rochelle, in McIntosh County had never had an integrated prom is mind boggling. What’s worse is that black and white students were banned from each other’s proms thanks to the archaic views of the students’ parents.

But all of that changed on April 27 when four determined students oversaw the city’s first, yes as in very first, integrated prom.

It’s unbelievable that I’m even writing about this, but I think it’s important to note that although some believe we live in a post-racial society, clearly we do not. It’s sad that students who could attend classes together, eat lunch together and who were basically friends with each other could not attend the same prom.

But, at just 17 years old, Gerica McCrary suggested the proposal for the integrated prom and had this to say, “In the beginning, the students were afraid of change. But the kids got together. The students tore down the Berlin Wall. Both sides were tired of it.”

She then went on to add, “Now I walk through the halls of the school and people are smiling. It brings tears to my eyes. We are in unity.”

Gerica and three of her friends (two black and two white), despite the negativity they received and the fear that they may not have attendees, forged ahead because they were tired of the way things were. Instead of continuing to talk about a problem they felt needed solving, they took action, which resulted in success.

Many might suggest that those living in McIntosh County, or more specifically, Rochelle, could benefit from diversity training, but what they really need is ignorance untraining (and I know that is not a word, but it fits, so work with me, please).

Had Ms. McCrary and her friends not taken a stand, the ludicrous tradition of separate proms would have undoubtedly continued. None of the adults seemed willing to challenge the status quo. Thus, it took teenagers, children, to usher the adults into the 21st century.

For many, the words of scientist Peter Senge ring true, “People don’t resist change; they resist being changed.” Changing ourselves means, at times, going outside of our comfort zones, which many are hesitant to do. But, change does not have to be bad.

In many instances, as in Rochelle, change can be a beautiful thing. We just have to be open to all of the possibilities and be willing to acknowledge the fact that maybe our way of thinking, the way we are used to doing things, is not the only way of doing things, and more important, not the best way.

The courage and determination held by these students is commendable. It is wonderful to know that they were wise enough and open-minded enough to know and understand that race does not, and should not matter as it relates to the people we choose to have in our lives.

The students in Rochelle decided to be the change they wanted to see in the world, and that’s definitely something worth celebrating.